(Women Gateway)

Jerusalem is awaiting a big event for being chosen to be the Arab Cultural Capital in 2009. Palestine has allocated US$10 million to mark the one-year celebrations that would start from January 22.

Around 140 activities, including festivals, exhibitions and seminars will be organised in Gaza, 1948 Palestine and Jerusalem.

A traditional Bahraini house will be built near other Arab houses in Jerusalem to introduce visitors to different Arab lifestyles.

Head of the National Panel for the Celebration of Jerusalem the Arab Cultural Capital Dr Rafiq Hussaini said during a presentation at the Bahrain National Museum that Bahrain would participate in the celebration.

He said that the old Jerusalem had only 10 per cent of Jewish settlers, while the rest were Muslims and Christians.

“Choosing Jerusalem to be the Arab Cultural Capital   has been a dream since 1982, until the Arab Cultural Ministers selected the city in their 15th session held in Masqat in 2006,” he said while highlighting that Arab and foreign countries will take part in the celebration.

As part of the celebration 30 projects will be launched by government and non-government organisations. 

“There are many challenges facing us to succeed in celebrating Jerusalem as Arab Cultural Capital and to overcome some of them Arab countries should cover the cost of the celebrations,” he urged.

Dr Al Hussaini invited Arab artists to take part while confirming the participation of Lebanese singer Majda Al Romi.